Volunteering
At NatureBureau, we regularly welcome enthusiastic environmental volunteers to support our hands-on conservation projects.
One of our main volunteer opportunities takes place each summer at a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Bray, Berkshire. Situated beside the River Thames and owned by Eton College, the site is designated for its population of pennyroyal – a rare and locally significant member of the mint family.
Our work focuses on carefully managing the habitat to support the continued growth of this special plant. Activities typically include scrub clearance, habitat management and species surveys.
Volunteers gain practical conservation experience, develop field skills, and learn about the site’s plant and animal communities from our in-house ecologists. The experience is valuable for CVs and university applications, and we are happy to provide a certificate recognising your contribution.
If you would like to play a part in conserving this unique site, please get in touch via the link below to find out more.
Student placements
Each year, NatureBureau is delighted to offer a limited number of student placements for those interested in pursuing a career in ecology or environmental management.
Placement students spend time with our ecology team gaining experience in both desk-based and field-based work. This includes developing core skills such as mapping, report writing and data collection, as well as attending Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) site visits and supporting our bat survey team.
With both marine and terrestrial specialists in-house, students can choose to focus on life above the waves, below the waves, or enjoy a combination of both.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a placement student, take a look at the blog written by our 2025 placement student, Isabel.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience with NatureBureau. The team was so kind and interesting, with the work solidifying my desire to work with the natural environment. I greatly appreciate NatureBureau allowing me to spend a week with them and I hope they know that it was incredibly impactful and enjoyable for me"
Isabel Adams, Placement Student 2025
Seasonal bat surveyors
Are you an experienced bat surveyor looking for summer fieldwork?
From May to September each year, we expand our bat team to support emergence surveys across a range of local sites. Working on a contractor basis, you’ll collaborate closely with our resident bat specialist and a friendly, knowledgeable group of surveyors.
We’re looking for individuals with demonstrable bat survey experience, strong species identification skills, and a solid understanding of bat ecology. Access to your own bat detector and night-vision camera equipment is essential.
You’ll be part of a supportive team environment, working together on site during surveys and reviewing infrared footage afterwards to ensure high-quality outputs.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and we’ll pass your details to our Senior Ecologist. You can also learn more about our bat work via the link below.
Keep an eye out for opportunities
All opportunities for placements, volunteering and seasonal contractor work are advertised on our LinkedIn page. Give us a follow on the link below to keep up to date!